Breathing new life into a river Norwich turned its back on - Politics - Eastern Daily Press Breathing new life into a river Norwich turned its back on @dangrimmer24 14 February, 2015 - 10:43 The City of Norwich viewed from the River Wensum. The Lady Julian Bridge at Riverside. Picture: Denise Bradley Archant Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Organisations join forces to find ways to unlock river’s potential For years, there have been calls for more to be done to make the most of the River Wensum. And now a string of organisations have joined forces to develop a strategy for the river. They want to use it as a focus for tourism, leisure and business and hope the formation of a new partnership could help to secure funding, such as National Lottery cash, to breathe new life into the river. Norwich City Council is leading the development of a joint strategy for the river, working in partnership with the Broads Authority, Norfolk County Council and the Wensum River Parkway Partnership.

The strategy will manage the River Wensum and surrounding area for the benefit of the city and its residents, while also increasing access to, and use of, the river itself. Grants – including National Lottery cash – could be brought in to help transform the river, to emulate cities such as Cambridge, York and Bath. How do you think the River Wensum could be improved? Write, giving full contact details, to Letters Editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE. The city grew around the winding river. Until the arrival of the railway and modern roads, it was how goods and trade came to the city, which was once England’s second largest. The stone to build the cathedral arrived by boat. The river was the very lifeblood of the city. But about 200 years ago, everything changed, with families who used to live in riverside homes moving to the suburbs. The river became a backwater. The new strategy, developed by Norwich City Council, the Broads Authority, Norfolk County Council and the Wensum River Parkway Partnership, aims to change that. Proposals for Generation Park.

Alec Hartley, chairman of the Wensum River Parkway Partnership, is optimistic that Norwich can become a river city once more. He said: “At the moment there are hardly any access points to the river. There are two pontoons which are not used and two slipways which are too steep.” Mr Hartley said the development of Friars Quay in the 1970s was an example of how to get housing development right. But he said: “If you want an example of bad practice, then there’s Read’s Flour Mill, which has cut the river off. Wensum River Parkway Partnership chairman Alec Hartley near Whitefriars bridge. He is calling for a debate on how best to breathe new life into the area along the river that passes through the entire of Norwich. Photo: Steve Adams “The proposals for Generation Park are another example of getting it right, with the housing set back some distance from the river.” And what of the Riverside complex, so often viewed as a missed opportunity, given that most of the buildings have their backs to the river. Mr Hartley said: “It would be quite easy to turn it to face the river.

And it would be good to have moorings there, although they would need to be secure.” Norwich | England, United Kingdom | Britannica.com England, United Kingdom Norwich, city ( district), administrative and historic county of Norfolk , England . It is located along the River Wensum above its confluence with the River Yare , about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of London . Norwich, Norfolk, Eng. Mark Oakden The site does not seem to have been occupied until Saxon times, when the village of Northwic was founded on a gravel terrace above the Wensum. By 1004, when Norwich was sacked by the Danes, it had become an important market centre. Shortly after the Norman Conquest (1066), the cathedral church and a Benedictine monastery were founded near the river. The distinctive cathedral has a Norman apse and nave; among its Perpendicular Gothic additions is a 15th-century stone spire rising to 315 feet (96 metres), one of the tallest in England. The cathedral also has well-preserved cloisters that are the largest in England.

A Norman castle (12th century) east of the town’s principal market has been since 1894 the city’s main museum and art gallery, with an archaeological collection and paintings of the Norwich school , which flourished in the 19th century. Castle at Norwich, Norfolk, Eng. Bluemoose Until the late 18th century Norwich was one of the most prosperous of English provincial towns, challenged only by Bristol and York . The first charter dates from 1158. The prosperity of the medieval town is reflected in the number of churches dating from this period, 30 of which still exist. The town’s prosperity was based upon the woolen industry, which was aided by Edward III , who induced Flemish weavers to settle in Norwich in 1336, and also by the influx of immigrants (mainly from the Low Countries) during the reign of Elizabeth I . In 1579 nearly a third of the town’s population of 16,000 were immigrants. During the 15th century the flint Guildhall was built overlooking the market square.

At the time of the English Civil Wars (1642–51) the population was predominantly behind the Parliamentary cause, and the town saw little strife. Similar Topics Norwich, United Kingdom World Facts Index > United Kingdom > Norwich The "fine city" of Norwich lies at the heart of rural Norfolk in the north eastern corner of the East Anglia region. It is a busy and attractive city with a wealth of historic sights to offer visitors as well as a selection of lively clubs, pubs and restaurants and a colourful variety of shops. Less than three hours away from London on public transport, Norwich is easily reached by train or coach. By road, the journey takes slightly longer but is just as straightforward with the A11 linking the city to the M11. The city centre Norwich's history goes back to the days of the Anglo-Saxons and Romans who both made their homes alongside the River Wensum and today the city's central streets still follow their medieval plan. A wonderful city to explore on foot, the centre of Norwich is outlined by the remaining parts of its city walls and contains more than 1500 historic buildings.

These range from tiny ancient houses tucked away in narrow cobbled alleyways such as Elm Hill, Tombland Alley and Timber Hill to large, impressive buildings such as the Norman Cathedral, Norwich Castle and the medieval Guildhall. The River Wensum flows through the city offering riverside walks and cruises and also within the inner city boundary are some of Norwich's unique collection of parks and open spaces including Chapelfield Gardens, Castle Gardens and the green Cow Tower area. Today much of the centre of Norwich is traffic-free. In front of City Hall is the old provision market with its famous coloured covers. Between the market and Norwich Castle are a number of pedestrianised shopping streets such as Gentleman's Walk, London Street and Castle Street as well as the famous Royal Arcade housing among other outlets the Colman's Mustard Shop. From this area it is possible to enter the underground Castle Mall Shopping Centre. Shopping Norwich really is a shopper's heaven with stores ranging from big high street names to unusual smaller retail outlets. These days the provision market stocks mainly fruit and vegetables, clothes and accessories. Also tucked away inside, however, are health food stalls, hot food stalls and even a hairdresser. The Castle Mall Shopping Centre features three levels of different facilities.

This is the country's only underground shopping centre and the largest of its type in Europe. Its shops range from large chain stores such as Boots, Mothercare and the Early Learning Centre to smaller shops. Those who love browsing in secondhand and antique shops should make their way to Magdalen Street. Head for Tombland and then over the river. Here you'll find not only a fantastic collection of pubs and restaurants but also numerous secondhand shops ranging from grubby junk stores to smart antique shops. St Benedict's is another of Norwich's more interesting shopping areas. This runs from the inner ring road in towards the city and is home to some fascinating specialist shops, including fashion, book, gift and furniture stores, and some nice restaurants. Parking while shopping in Norwich is not really a problem. There are a number of multi-storey car parks as well as some Pay and Display areas and the very reasonable Castle Mall car parks. Entertainment and culture Norwich has an exciting variety of theatres, cinemas, galleries and museums in the city centre. The Theatre Royal is the largest theatre and features a variety of drama, musical, dance and comedy productions throughout the year. The Norwich Playhouse and the Maddermarket Theatre are also within the city boundary.

Live music can be heard at the Norwich Arts Centre, on St Benedict's Street, and at the Waterfront on King Street - both about 15 minutes walk from the city centre - as well as at smaller venues elsewhere in Norwich. As well as its Odeon and ABC cinemas, Norwich now also boasts multiplexes the UCI at the new Riverside development (near the station) and Ster Century in the Castle Mall. For lovers of art cinema there is Cinema City on St Andrew's Street. Towering above Norwich city centre is the Castle Museum with its Norman keep (currently closed for refurbishment). Other museums in Norwich include the Bridewell Museum, in Bridewell Alley, and the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, on Market Avenue. The Norwich Area One of the great benefits of visiting Norwich is that you also find yourself within easy reach of some wonderful countryside and stunning beaches. Head up to North Norfolk and you will find market towns such as Aylsham and Holt to explore. Then further on, perhaps 40 minutes from Norwich, you come upon the traditional seaside towns of Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Those who enjoy exhilarating walks can explore the breath-taking expanses of the North Norfolk coastline at Blakeney and Holkham. This area is also famous for its bird-watching and its seals. To the east of Norwich is the Great Yarmouth coastline which comes to life every summer when the holidaymakers arrive. Here you'll find all the traditional seaside entertainment from the piers to the Pleasure Beach and the slot machines to the seaside theatre. South Norfolk offers more tranquil pastimes. Here there are woodland and riverside walks to be undertaken either on foot or on horseback with a party from one of the many stables this area boasts. The market towns of Wymondham and Diss in this area also have plenty to offer the visitor including period architecture, museums and auctions. Further south, about 40 minutes from Norwich in Breckland, is Thetford, a town with a number of historic sites to visit which is surrounded by one of the oldest and largest forests in Great Britain. The beautiful pine Thetford Forest Park offers 50,000 acres of area to explore on foot, horse-back or by bike (which can be hired from High Lodge).

The Broads But it is for Britain's finest wetland, the Norfolk Broads, that the county is perhaps most famous for. This covers an area of about 303 sq km to the north and east of Norwich and includes more than 200 km of waterways. The Broads is similar to a national park and is protected for its landscape and wildlife. Explorations can be made on foot, by bike or by boat. You can take guided boat trips or hire a cruiser by the day, week or even hour from one of the many businesses in Norwich, Wroxham , Hoveton, Stalham or Potter Heigham. There is also plenty of opportunity for those wishing to learn to sail, canoe or windsurf. There are many attractive villages and small towns to visit within the Broads area as well as historic buildings, museums and of course windmills such as Berney Arms Mill and Sutton Mill. For more details about the Norfolk Broads visit one of the Broads Information Centres at Beccles, Hoveton or Potter Heigham. Attractions and day trips Within easy reach of Norwich are literally dozens of places of historic interest and exciting family centres to visit in a day.

Stately homes Blickling Hall, Somerleyton Hall and Felbrigg Hall are among Norfolk's many beautiful buildings with extensive gardens to explore. The Dinosaur Park at Weston Longville, the Shire Horse Centre at West Runton and The Village at Fleggburgh all offer fun for the whole family. In west Norfolk, visitors find attractions such as the Gaol House and the Caithness Crystal Visitor Centre, at Kings Lynn, and the African Violet Centre at Terrington St Clement. In north Norfolk there's Wroxham Barns and for steam train lovers the Bure Valley Railway and the North Norfolk Steam Railway. In the Great Yarmouth area families can head for Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Fritton Lake Countryworld and popular theme park Pleasurewood Hills. South of Norwich you'll find the Tropical Butterfly Garden at Great Ellingham and Banham Zoo, near Attleborough. Whether your tastes lie in visiting historical sites or exploring areas of natural beauty, in taking exhilarating theme park rides or in family fun at the seaside, Norwich and the surrounding district won't disappoint you. There really is something for everyone here - and it's all within easy reach of the "fine city" itself.

History of Norwich One of England's most esoteric cities, Norwich's founding may long remain a mystery. The city is thought to have grown up because of its position at a bridgeable point at what was then the head of the Yare estuary. By the time of the first written evidence of its existence, near the end of the Tenth Century, Norwich was already a thriving burgh. Saxon Norwich was centred on Tombland - which means empty or open space and has no reference to graves at all - with the city's richest church and the palace of the Earls of the East Angles bordering the settlement's central market. Today the city's main roads still lead to Tombland which is a good four hundred metres north east of where city centre is today. The major push toward the city taking the form in which we still see it today was the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Castle was built as a centre for Norman power over the English burgesses.

Norwich Cathedral is held by many to be the finest Romanesque building in England, and may well have become so by complete chance; its Norman founder dying before even the high altar was completed, his successors did not have enough cash to change the grandiose masterplans. Building commenced in 1096 and the central body of the Cathedral itself attained its present form with the completion of the fourth spire, at 96m the second tallest in England, in 1463. Norwich in the High Middle Ages had much of the form and structure of the city that we know today. Many surviving public buildings date from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries: Bishop's Bridge was constructed prior to 1331, thirty years before the construction of the city walls. The Guildhall, today the city's main Tourist Information Centre, was put up between 1407 and 1413 on the site of an earlier municipal building, The Tollhouse.

Many street names also date from this period: Rampant Horse Street gained its name from a tavern, but the horse market met here in the fifteenth century; Maddermarket was the centre of the dying trade, madder being a red pigment; Haymarket, not surprisingly, was an agricultural off-shoot of the main city market. There was a medieval Jewish community in Norwich and the area between Haymarket and Orford Hill was for a while known as the "Jewry". The most significant minority group in Norwich, however, were those known as "Strangers". The proximity of Norwich to the Low Countries has always precipitated an interchange of people. The persecution of Protestants in the Spanish Netherlands led to the city authorities allowing a slow stream of immigration into the city from the middle of the sixteenth century. Most were weavers; notable exceptions included Norwich's first printer, Anthony de Solempne, who arrived in 1567. The monastic nature of the Cathedral was, of course, a victim of the Reformation. Norwich, however, was the first cathedral priory in the country to re-establish itself as Dean and Chapter.

Archbishop Matthew Parker, entrusted by Elizabeth I to undo the machinations of her sister's efforts at counter-reformation, was Norwich born. His reputation for leaving no stone unturned has purportedly given us the soubriquet "nosey parker". Many of the city's august institutions trace their routes back to the eighteenth century: The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was founded in 1772 as part of the voluntary hospital system; Gurney's Bank was established in 1775. The younger son of the family would marry into the Barclays, the London banking family. Norwich's Gurneys would go on to play a significant part in the development of the huge clearing bank. Norwich Union, perhaps the most august of all, can trace its routes back to 1783 with Thomas Bignold's incredulity at not being able to get insurance for his move from Kent to Norwich. By the 1820s, the society was trading overseas, with offices in Lisbon and Bordeaux, ground was broken on the imposing Surrey Street headquarters in 1906. New high quality housing began to be put up in the city from the 1820s onwards.

The terraced inner-suburban houses that now make up the Golden Triangle were the product of new housing regulations passed by the City Council from 1877 to 1889: Clearance of the courts and yards on the perimeter of the medieval city dates from the same period. The first through train ran from Norwich to London in July 1845, and the building of Prince of Wales Road in the 1860s linked the centre of the city to the new Thorpe Station, streamlining traffic flow into the city in the process. The Great Northern Railway opened Norwich City Station in 1882; this was closed to passengers in 1959 and freight ten years later. The city continued transforming rapidly itself in the twentieth century. The new City Hall went up in 1938, designed by CH James and SR Pierce. During the second world war the city suffered severe damage during the Luftwafe's Baedeker raids. Homes and businesses were destroyed as was the old Bonds store on All Saint's Green, containing the only thatched cinema in Britain and a number of medieval churches, including Saint Benedict's and Saint Julian's.

Highlights of post-war building in the city included the West Earlham estate. In 1963, the old Earlham Golf Course began to be transformed into what would eventually become the reinforced-concrete wonderland of the University of East Anglia. Dennis Lasdun, who shaped the University campus, was the designer of the teaching wall, Europe's longest building, and Norfolk and Suffolk Terraces, the renowned student residences based on Mayan ziggurats. The arts collection of Sir Robert and Lady Sainsbury was given to the university in 1973, and Norman Foster's cavernous Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts was built in 1980 as its new home; the Crescent Wing extension was added in 1989/1990. Today's Norwich contains a wealth of historical buildings and landmarks but is undeniably a thoroughly modern city. No large urban centre in England is as far from another town of comparable size, but this has not stopped Norwich moving and shaking with the best of them: The subterranean Castle Mall, the new Riverside development and the new UEA Sportspark are contemporary highlights.

Before the end of 2000 the Millennium Library will also provide the citizenry with an architecturally outstanding public building with which to further pride themselves in their fine old city. Norwich Travel Guide and Tourist Information: Norwich, Norfolk, England Norwich Tourist Information and Tourism (Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK) The city of Norwich lies within the county of Norfolk, where it enjoys a famous medieval past and contains many splendid historical, half-timbered buildings and remains of its strong city walls. Norwich has enjoyed much urban regeneration and following the completion of the architecturally striking Forum complex, home of the Millennium Library and Tourist Information Centre, the city is now considered to be amongst the most appealing and tourist friendly within eastern England . Home of the Norwich City Football Club (the Canaries), a team with strong connections to television cook Delia Smith, the city is now also known for its wealth of shops, and provides some of the best retail opportunities in England. And when it comes to tourism, the city has recently began to market its 12 most notable heritage buildings, which have been simply named as the 'Norwich 12' and continue to be a magnet for visitors.

Norwich Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights There are a number of different ways to sightsee in Norwich, with walking tours, open-top buses and cruises along the River Wensum all being extremely popular. Tourists with time to stroll around the city should be sure to check out the cobbled lanes and alleys in the Elm Hill area, which are overflowing with medieval character and related attractions, and recently made an appearance in the movie blockbuster 'Stardust' (2007). On Earlham Road, the lovingly restored Plantation Garden has led a rather chequered history, as has the Theatre Royal on Theatre Street, where many events and shows take place all through the year. More information about Norwich Tourist Attractions . With so many great buildings in the city, those now categorised as the Norwich 12 really are quite outstanding. Norwich Castle is one of the most recognisable and this 12th-century Norman fortress stands on the hilltop, high above the city centre, where it joins Europe's finest. Also making quite a splash on the city's skyline is Norwich Cathedral, which is one of some 30 medieval churches located inside of the city walls.

Further city landmarks include the Dragon Hall, the Strangers Hall, the Great Hospital, St. Andrew's Hall and Blackfriars Hall, the Guildhall, St. James Mill and Norwich City Hall, which is a beautiful Art Deco building, graced by two bronze lions and dramatic stone columns, and is quite palatial in its appearance. Norwich is also very much a university city, and its campus of the University of East Anglia also deserves a mention in this category. More information about Norwich Landmarks and Monuments . When it comes to information about the city's past, then the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is certainly the principal attractions of its kind, being filled with archaeological artefacts and exhibits. However, there is plenty more in the way of culture and arts in the city. The Bridewell Museum remembers the city's industrial success and achievements, while the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum celebrates the regional regimental history. When it comes to the world of art, the award-winning Forum venue offers changing exhibitions and an enormous digital gallery space. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is also a good place to appreciate art and comes with its own permanent collection of donated masterpieces. More information about Norwich Museums and Norwich Art Galleries .

All around Norwich are many wonderful tourist attractions and possible day trips. Of course, the Norfolk Broads is especially close and popular, and these vast wetlands are made of innumerable waterways, nature reserves and marshes. Other dependable excursions from Norwich include the port town of King's Lynn, Sandringham House, Blickling Hall, the Dinosaur Adventure at Lenwade, the Fairhaven Woodland at South Walsham and the Raveningham Gardens. For a bit of seaside fun, take a drive to the nearby beach resorts of Cromer and Great Yarmouth, or to the holiday town of Wells-Next-The-Sea, where a steam railway winds its way to Little Walsingham. More information about Norwich Attractions Nearby .

More Norwich Information / Fast Facts and Orientation Country: England (east) Area: approximately 15 square miles / 40 square kilometres Population: approximately 375,000 Time zone: GMT / UTC and BST (British Summer Time), 5 hours from Eastern Standard Time Country dialling code: +44 Average daily Norwich January temperature: 7°C / 45°F Average daily Norwich July temperature: 22°C / 72°F Wensum Park One of five registered sites in the city of Norwich which form part of a set of public parks laid out in the 1920s and 1930s by the then Parks Superintendent, Captain A Sandys-Winsch. DESCRIPTION LOCATION, AREA, BOUNDARIES, LANDFORM, SETTING Wensum Park lies on the north-west side of the city of Norwich and occupies a c 4ha sloping site which falls between Drayton Road to the north-east and the River Wensum to the south-west. St Martin's Road forms the east boundary whilst iron railings divide the park from neighbouring factories to the north-west. It is located in a part of the city which contains both residential and commercial development.

ENTRANCES AND APPROACHES The main entrance to the park lies at the corner of Drayton Road and St Martin's Road, wrought-iron gates between piers surmounted with obelisks opening onto a balustraded viewing platform looking over the park. There is also an iron gate off Drayton Road further to the north, at the northern tip of the park, leading into the children's play area. A gate in the railings which mark the north-west boundary leads into adjacent factory grounds. PARK From the main gates a pair of steps lead down either side of the shelter set beneath the viewing platform; the axial line is continued with semicircular steps from the shelter, and a further flight down to the circular rose garden, which forms the focus of the design. The garden was originally centred on a fountain and pool, but this was filled in to form a flower bed. Steps from the west side of the garden meet a long straight cross-walk orientated north-west/south-east, the southern end of which has been taken out.

Off the south side of the circular garden a straight walk leads to a yew-enclosed compartment which originally contained a flower garden; the flower beds have recently (1990s) been removed and a paddling pool constructed. Off the north side a straight path leads to a balancing octagonal yew-hedged enclosure, this remaining as a flower garden with a circular bed and box edging. A walk leads round the perimeter of the park from below the main entrance. It starts as a straight terraced path cut into the grassed sloping eastern bank which leads south from the shelter to a set of balustraded steps which run along the southern boundary of the site. The iron railings formerly alongside this part of the path leading west down to the River Wensum have been removed. The area has been subject to some recent (late C20) reworking which includes the addition of a picnic platform by the water's edge. The path then picks up the line of the edge of two paddling pools scooped out of the river bank, a feature pre-dating the 1920s work. Grass banks to the west run down to the river edge, on which stands the brick-built toilet block.

Beside this is the southern end of a watercourse which was cut to channel river water through the park from the northern boundary in the form of a stream, widened in parts to create pools and with a small island. The watercourse was crossed by wooden footbridges (replacements of the originals now gone, 1999). The land between the stream and the River Wensum was originally planted up as a woodland water garden but is now (2000) overgrown. This was also the site of the original open-air swimming pool. To the north-east of the cut is an informal area of lightly wooded lawns and beyond this, occupying the north-east strip of land adjacent to the road, an enclosed children's playground. From here the perimeter path leads back, parallel to the road, to the main entrance.

REFERENCES G Goreham, The parks and open spaces of Norwich (1961) The Norwich Parks, (Norwich City Council internal report 1993) Maps A Sandys-Winsch, Plan of Wensum Park, 1928 (City Hall, Norwich) OS 25" to 1 mile: 3rd edition published 1926 HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT The site of Wensum Park started to develop during the first decade of the 20th century, following the purchase of land by the City in 1907. Reflecting its locality, on the banks of the River Wensum, it was given a swimming bath, bathing pool, wading pool, and shelter, all of which were completed by 1910. By 1921 however the area around the pools had become used as a unofficial tip so a scheme was put forward to develop the site as a formal public park. The garden was designed by Captain Sandys-Winsch, a protégé of Thomas Mawson, to offer opportunities for passive recreation and was constructed over the next four years using unemployed labour. It was opened in 1925.

The park remains (1999) in use as a public amenity. The other four registered parks which make up the Sandys-Winsch series are Eaton Park, Waterloo Park, Heigham Park and Mile Cross Gardens. Norwich travel guide - Wikitravel 11 Get out For other places with the same name, see Norwich (disambiguation) . Norwich, [1] a two-cathedral city, is the capital city of the English county of Norfolk , within the larger region of East Anglia . It lies some 185 km (115 miles) north-north-east of London , with the A11 linking the two cities, and is a convenient base for exploring the Broads , the North Norfolk Coast , along with the whole county of Norfolk. Understand[ edit ] Norwich has a total population of about 230,000. At over 800 years old, it was one of the main cities of medieval England, and retains a significant heritage of period buildings. In the 1960s, it became a university city with the foundation of the University of East Anglia (UEA), which has helped the flourishing of local culture.

By road[ edit ] Norwich is directly served by two major trunk roads. The A11 travels in only a south-westerly direction, through Thetford, then near to Cambridge, and then via a more southerly direction onto London via the M11. The other trunk road is the A47, and this is primarily orientated in an east-west direction. To the east, the A47 ends at the once significant maritime town, and now primarily holiday destination of Great Yarmouth. To the west, the A47 links the Norfolk market towns of East Dereham and Swaffham , and then onto Kings Lynn (where it links with the A10 and A17). The A47 continues westward, leaving Norfolk, onto Peterborough , where it links nearby with the A1 (also known as the 'Great North Road'), and terminates at the Roman city of Leicester , linking with a number of significant roads including the M1, M69, A6, A46 and A50.

Other major trunk roads to the wider Norwich area include the the A14 (via the A11 to Cambridge ), A12, A140 (via Ipswich ) from London , the South East of England and the ferry port of Harwich . Parking[ edit ] Parking in the city includes a wide variety of surface and multi-storey car parks, along with on-street parking - all fee-based, some operated by the local authority (Norwich City Council), others operated by private companies. There is also a very good 'Park and Ride' (P&R) service National Park and Ride Directory . There are six P&R car parks served by six colour-coded lines numbered 601-606. P&R buses run every 6-7 minutes throughout the day but stop around 7-8pm. Tickets are purchased from machines at the car park and are valid for a group of up to 5 people. The prices regularly change but there's generally a 25% discount for tickets purchased after 12pm. You'll be issued two tickets - one is to display inside the windscreen of your car and the other is to show the bus driver when boarding/alighting the bus.

Note that the yellow line and car park is adjacent to the airport. By train[ edit ] Despite the city's size, there is only one large railway station. Thorpe station is a terminus, and all services start/finish here. The two main routes run south to London (1hr50) via Ipswich (40min) and Colchester (1hr); and west/northwest towards Cambridge (1hr) and Peterborough (1hr45), with some services continuing to other major cities in the Midlands and North. Connections to Scotland and East Coast cities are available at Peterborough. There are also a handful of local services to destinations including Sheringham , Cromer , Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft . The railway station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the city centre, and has bus connections to the university and the airport. The station forecourt carpark has a taxi rank, and is usually full of black cabs which can be hailed without any advanced booking. For details on all UK national railway services, call National Rail Enquiries line, tel +44 845 748 4950 or +44 20 7278 5240.

By bus[ edit ] Norwich's new flagship Surrey Street bus station is a major hub for local, regional and long-distance bus and coach services. There are regular National Express services to/from London - although the journey takes roughly twice as long as the train and can sometimes be almost as expensive. A cheaper alternative is the Megabus, though the most inexpensive tickets need to be booked weeks or months in advance. There are also regular coaches services to London's Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. All surrounding towns are served by regular (but slow) regional buses - these are mostly useful for reaching towns/villages with no train connection. Tickets for National Express buses can be purchased from the ticket counter at the bus station or booked online. For information on all bus services, call Traveline on +44 871 200 2233. By air[ edit ] Norwich is home to a major regional airport - Norwich International Airport (NWI) - with over 300 worldwide connections via Manchester , Edinburgh or Amsterdam .

London Stansted is also within easy reach by road (65 miles), and regular coaches from Surrey Street bus station serve all four major London airports (Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Stanstead). To/from the airport - a taxi will cost about £7 from the airport to the city centre. Park&Ride Yellow Line buses run every 7-8 minutes from the airport car park to Surrey Street bus station non-stop, however the one-way fare is £2.50 so if there's a group it's easier to buy a park & Ride ticket from the machines as this covers up to 5 passengers. Local bus 23 runs every 15 minutes from outside the airport to the city centre and costs about £1.70. For more information, contact Norwich International Airport on +44 1603 411923 or Fax +44 1603 487523. Get around[ edit ] Norwich city centre is fairly compact and can be explored easily on foot. It is also a cycle-friendly city, with most major streets having separate bike lanes and also several cycle tracks along the two rivers.

City buses are mostly operated by FirstGroup and are handy for reaching the train station and riverside entertainment district, the university and the airport. Fares change regularly but expect to pay around £2.30 for a single-trip adult ticket. Return tickets and day pass tickets are also available - buy tickets from the driver (change available) or from the ticket machines located at the bus stops. Also available is a Fusion Ticket which allows a day's unlimited travel with the participating operators. Metered taxis are fairly cheap and are of the purpose-built 'black cab' variety as in London, whilst telephone-booked minicabs are cheaper for longer trips. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Norwich Cathedral [2] - the 900-year old Norman cathedral church. Don't miss 'old As I Am', a grinning skeleton on the south aisle wall. Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery [3] 'Pop in for a pound' in the last hour of opening.

Dragon Hall [4] - restored trading hall from medieval era, unique in England Many fine medieval churches including St John Maddermarket, St Peter Mancroft by the Forum , St Stephens, all of which are usually open The Forum [5] - a new landmark building, architecturally dynamic, housing the municipal library, BBC East, arts and information centre - includes the amazing Origins exhibition of local history and culture the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts [6] - located on the campus of the University of East Anglia (UEA) - well worth the visit, lovely building and an underground section with changing exhibitions in art, ceramics, xtiles....creative and imaginative. It was designed by Norman Foster and it is an example of an early work of his in the 1970's. Housed in the building is a permanent exhibtion of the Sainsbury supermarket family pottery and sculpture a lot of rare chinese and tribal stuff - worth spending at least half a day there. If you want some peace and tranquility in the middle of the city, "the plantation " is a small nicely formed private garden.

Walking downhill from the Roman Catholic Cathedral (not the Church Of England one) the gardens are on the left between the two parts of the Beeches Hotel. If there is no one there pop your £2 in the box and enjoy. Norwich Puppet Theatre [9] Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA Beer Festival [10] held every October Norwich is the key site for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival [11] held every year in the month of May. Norwich is home to Norwich City Football Club, who play in the second tier of English football (The Championship). Its ground, Carrow Road, is fairly close to the city centre and a 6-10 minute walk from the railway station. The ground seats 26,000, and if you visit Norwich and are keen on football, it's worth a visit - a friendly ground, with large amounts of family spectators. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Norwich punches above its weight in retail terms and is regarded as one of Britain's major regional shopping centres. The Castle Mall shopping mall has recently been joined by a major new city-centre development, the Chapelfield mall, on the site of a former chocolate factory.

It has a big "Cigar entwined in a wire frame" sculpture on top to serve as a visible landmark. Other than the shopping centres there is a big John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and local department store Jarrolds. This particular store is unusual in that it is still locally owned and gives 25% of its profits to the John Jarrold Trust - a charity that grant aids worthy causes. London Street is nearby and was England's first pedestrianised street. The market is the site of the principal shopping area and is occupied by well-known chain stores; additionally, a wide range of independent specialist stores is concentrated around the Upper Goat Lane/Pottergate/St. Benedict's area of the city centre. This area is known as the Norwich Lanes. One street not to miss is Elm Hill. It's a medieval cobbled street near Norwich Cathedral that backs onto the River Wensum and is renowned for its antiques and tea shops. That leaves us with the market! Apparently the largest permanent outdoor market in Europe, and one of the finest city markets in the UK. It has recently been refurbished and is a riot of primary colours and retracting roofs.

It was designed by the same architect as the Castle Mall, Michael Innes. Just outside the city centre are a number of shops worth a look. Upper St Giles Street is a must visit home to a number of galleries; Norwich Studio Art Gallery; Verandah; Fabulous Frames independent shops: Stiffkey Bathrooms; Pavilion; The Bell Jar, restaurants: Roger Hickman; Lam Thai and Louis Delicatessen. Over the bridge and down Earlham Road towards the University of East Anglia (UEA) is a fine independent organic and local food shop called the Green Grocers. You will find a good range of locally sourced food as well as catering for vegetarian and vegans. They have a Farmers' Market outside the shop every second sunday of the month. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Restaurants in Norwich are good. For fine dining visit Roger Hickman on Upper St Giles or Benedicts on St Benedicts Street, both are excellent and busy so booking is essential. The area around St Benedicts " Norwich Lanes" has a lot of one off shops and a number of non chain eateries most of which can be recommended.

Notable amongst them are, The Waffle House on St Giles, a Norwich institution and an excellent formula based around Belgian wheat waffles, their chocolate mousse will be amongst the best you have ever had; The Bicycle Shop on St Benedicts, shabby chic and student orientated but professionally run; Chihuahua's in the Mash Tun pub in Charing Cross where Mexican street food is available to accompany a long list of beers, kept well and mainly from the superb and Norwich based, Redwell brewery, Finnies in Lower Goat Lane, where slices of freshly baked pizza and juices emerge from a tiny shop, Moorish Falafel, next door to Finnies where fresh cooked falafel is packed in a pitta with salad and sauces of your choice, Madder Kitchen in The Maddermarket where informal sit down dining is on offer and Stuart the chef patron knows his stuff, B'nou on St Benedict's, where you will have to book some time in advance and a series of Tapas style dishes are served throughout a whole evening's eating experience, Pulse off the Guildhall Hill where a fresh and welcome approach is taken to veggie and vegan food.

During the daytime good food can be had very cheaply in the market where everything from a Chinese to fish and chips by way of vegan fast food and a hog roast are available. There is a range of Chinese restaurants in the city. Mainly they seem to be run by one family under the banner of Lucky Star. They run two well-priced 'all-you-can-eat' buffets (Riverside and above a car park at the top of St Stephens Street). They are all much of a muchness but Riverside is the most popular and therefore busiest. There are some others (mainly of Prince of Wales Road). There seem to be loads of Thai restaurants in Norwich. Not sure why it has more than its fair share but since most of them are good we shouldn’t complain. The best are Sugar Hut, Silk Thai and Lam Thai. Sugar Hut is owned by a couple who have 3 restaurants in the city and this one is the original and best. Good menu and choice of wines, lovely staff and well prepared food. Quite busy on the weekend for dinner so book in advance. Thai Silk on the other had seems to always be quiet. Very well decorated with lovely fixtures and fittings.

It has a good range of food and but is slightly more expensive than Sugar Hut. Lam Thai is located slightly out of the city centre on Upper St. Giles Street, and although not cheap, the quality of food is very good. Indian restaurants in Norwich have, over the past decade or so, been engaged in a fierce price war which has seen menu prices stay low - sometimes, it has to be said, at the expense of quality. A long established Indian restaurant previously called Oasis is on Queens Road. This has been taken over by new enlightened owners who are trying to break away from the classic Indian formula by offering exclusively vegetarian and vegan dishes (no drinks licence but take your own with a corkage charge). It is in a converted church so it has big high ceilings and lots of space. Two other 'curry houses' to recommend include Roti on Finkelgate, almost adjacent to the Oasis. It is a family restaurant which traces itself back to humble beginnings in 1980s London, and the experience is certainly of good quality in pleasant, airy surroundings with hospitable staff. The same can be said for Roshi, although its location in a refurbished pub off Mousehold Lane on the outer ring road may not be immediately convenient.

Prices for both restaurants are fluctuate around the 'reasonable' range depending on the type of curry, however, both are ideal dining, depending on your location within Norwich. There are several other Indian restaurants on Magdalene Street, including Ali Tandoori, Spice Lounge just down the road on Wensum Street, a good place on St Benedict’s called Bengal Spice and just to the west of the inner ring road there is City Spice located on Dereham Road. The standard Cafe Uno, Pizza Express etc are all present but are of a fairly chain restaurant standard so go if you want but there are some better choices. Zizzis in Tomblands is nicer than average with a traditional big wood burning oven so they do some nice flavoured pizzas and baked pastas. Try Italia Nostra on St Giles Street if you prefer a more family run Italian restaurant. Two worth trying are Pedro’s (Mexican)in Chapelfield gardens and Mambo Jambo’s. Pedro’s is more about the quantity than the quality, but it's still a good restaurant. Mambo Jambo’s on the other hand is great. Don’t go expecting great food but you get loads of it.

It also has a cheap bar and is always full of groups of friends, work parties and birthday parties. This may be because for a reasonably price you get loads of drinks and huge portions of food. The Belgian Monk on Pottergate in the city centre is fantastic for mussels and does very good food at reasonable prices. They also do a variety of different beers: cherry beer is definitely worth a try. The Golden Triangle area to the west of the city centre has more than it's fair share on pubs serving good quality food, probably in no small part to the large student population of the areas. The Unthank Arms and The Mad Moose serve good quality though not inexpensive food, whilst the likes of The Belle Vue and The Garden House sell decent pub fare. For vegetarian restaurants try The Greenhouse, an environmentally friendly cafe and shop on Bethel Street, [12] or the already mentionedPulse on Guildhall Hill. Norwich's first all vegan bakery [Deerly Beloved Bakery] [13] currently supplies Waterstones Cafe W, Biddy's Tea Room and St Benedicts Food Store with their yummy vegan cakes and bakes all year round.

Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Norwich was once famous for having a church for every week in the year, and a pub for every day of the year. It had the highest number of pubs per square mile in the UK. For real ale enthusiasts, Norwich is home to the multi award-winning Fat Cat [14] , a real ale paradise serving over 25 ales, and one of only two pubs in the UK to twice win the prestigious CAMRA National Pub of the Year. Other popular real ale pubs in the city centre include The Coach & Horses and the historic Adam & Eve. North of the city are the King's Head in Magdalen Street, the Shed (with Fat Cat Brewery), and the Duke of Wellington, all real ale pubs with an extensive selection of ales and some cider. For cutting edge craft beers from local Redwell brewery go to the Mash Tun in Charing Cross or the Tap House on Redwell Street. Other pubs worth a vist include The Plough on St Benedicts home of the local Grain Brewery's offerings, The White Lion on Oak Street majoring on ciders and perrys.

Crosdesnor ( talk ) 15:29, 3 September 2016 (EDT) There is a major beer festival, organised by the local branch of CAMRA, held every year in St Andrews Hall. Beware that it gets extremely crowded though. The local real ale of choice is Woodforde's Wherry. Woodfordes also brew Nelson's Revenge among others. Also popular in pubs around the area are the two popular Adnams ales, Bitter and Broadside, brewed in the Suffolk coastal town of Southwold. The Bicycle Shop, 17 St Benedicts Street. 10:00 - midnight. A lovely new addition is The Bicycle Shop bar/restaurant. Great for lunch or a drink in its downstairs bar. Good wines and local beers. edit Frank's Bar, 19 Bedford Street, Norwich, ☎ +44 1603 618902, [15] . Tu-Th 10.30am-midnight, Fr & Sa 10:30am-2:30am, Su 10:30am-11:30pm.

Cafe-bar in central Norwich filled with good food, top drinks, marvellous music and general chilled-outness. You can enjoy Frank’s Bar in a range of different ways, whether it be with a coffee, glass of wine, tasty meal or nibbles. Sundays are special as well with a fantastic Sunday Breakfast menu (served from 11.00 – 6.00) and a classic afternoon film (screened in the back room) along with the usual selection of great coffee, good papers to peruse and general loveliness. edit Captain America's Hamburger Heaven, 4 Exchange St (just off from the market place, opposite Jarrold's), ☎ 01603 622551. American burgers and steaks and ribs, etc. Reasonably priced and lots of it. edit If you are on a budget, do not fear. Norwich has a large student population and so there are plenty of cheaper places to drink, so long as you don't mind things being a little rowdy at times. There are also some excellent independent coffee shops dotted about. Small in size but extremely friendly and care about coffee.

Little Haven, The Little Red Roaster and The Nectar are stand out coffee houses on the south side of the city. Best to go during the day as lunch hours you cannot always guarantee a seat. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Maids Head in Tombland - but it is a bit old-fashioned and out of date. They tried refurbishing their restaurant so maybe they will sort the rest of the inside soon too. It is in a very pretty building so it is good for tourists who want a bit of old England. Nelson hotel by the railway station. Very convenient but full of middle managers who have come to do some work for Aviva/Norwich Union. Also can be very noisy at night as it is opposite Riverside (a big entertainment complex). Holiday Inn Ipswich Road,01603 730300 just 2 miles south of the City Centre. It has 119 bedrooms all with air-con, LCD TV's, internet connection,Double, Twin, Family Rooms & Accessible double rooms.The lounge bar area is comfortable and modern & serves Starbucks coffee.

There is a vast menu to choose from for lunch & dinner also including "Chef's Specials" The hotel boasts a fabulous leisure club with indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, spa & well equipped gym. Free car parking also. A great base when exploring the beautiful city of Norwich and the counties of Norfolk & Suffolk. Hilton Cromer Road to the north of the city. Nice enough as all Hiltons are and convenient for the airport and Norfolk Broads. Mercure Norwich Hotel, 121-131 Boundary Road, NR3 2BA, ☎ (+44) 844 815 9036, [16] . 4 star Norwich Hotel located 1.5 miles from the airport and 3 miles from the city centre. edit Ramada Jarvis Norwich, 121 - 131 Boundary Road, ☎ +44 844 815 9036, [17] . checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00 noon. Located between the airport and the city centre. Indoor pool with a sail-like canopy, air-conditioned gym. Pinewood Finnish sauna.

Internet access available in every room. edit Travelodge, on Queens Road right next to the bus station is a new budget hotel with a convenient city centre location. Broadview Lodge is a basic Bed and Breakfast that is conveniently located if you wish to be on the University campus and offers discounts for UEA students and their families as well as alumni. There are a couple of new chains hotels in town. On Duke Street, next to a new car park, is the Premier Inn, clean, cheap and central but very bland. Out of the city there are some larger golf-type hotels. Dunston Hall (owned by the De Vere group) just south of the city, and Sprowston Manor (owned by the Marriott group) just north of the city. Both are OK and generally get 4 star ratings but they are hardly hotels you would choose to go on holiday to. They have lots of facilities (spas, gold pools etc) and are the best place to stay around Norwich if you don’t need to be in the city centre.

Holiday Inn Express Norwich, Drayton High Road, Hellesdon NR6 5DU, ☎ +44(0)1603 780 010, [18] . checkin: 2:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. 3 Star hotel in the centre of Norwich Airport (1.5 miles) and city centre (3 miles), and an added benefit of free overnight parking, WiFi, and breakfast all included in the price. £49. edit Stay safe[ edit ] Although Norwich is one of the safest cities in the UK, caution should be taken when wandering the city centre at night, as with any place. Use common sense and avoid back streets, staying in groups is always a good idea. A few notable areas to avoid during the night would be Anglia Square, the Mile Cross Estate and Larkman, although there is not much to do there at night, and also Prince of Wales road on a Friday or Saturday night, due to the amount of people leaving and entering nightclubs. Get out[ edit ] Although Norwich is a comparatively small city by international standards, there is still plenty to do.

The main attraction beyond Norwich are the Broads , a network of waterways and marshlands famed for its scenic beauty. Visitors can either take a stroll along the network of footpaths along the Broads or rent a small cruiser or sailboat. Norwich also hosts some fine parks and gardens. Many of these parks were built in the early 20th century, as a form of unemployment relief:: Eaton Park, [19] - the largest of the Depression era unemployment relief parks in Norwich (measuring 80 acres), with an expansive range of activities and facilities, including a large miniature railway, lying west of the city centre. Catton Park, [20] - a nationally important green space located to the north of the city. Waterloo Park, [21] - an 18 acre park with a wide range of facilities located north of the city centre. Plantation Gardens, [22] - a beautiful Victorian walled garden, featuring a plethora of alcoves, trails and lush lawns, and some of the finest neo-Gothic sculpture to be seen.

Effectively a compact recreation of the grandeur one to expect to find in a country house of the period, it is a quiet feat of horticulture to be enjoyed on an early-evening stroll. Norwich, Norfolk, Tourist Information Guide Norwich Cathedral as seen from the Cloisters Norwich Cathedral glowing in the winter sunshine In 1272 there was a riot by the citizens of Norwich, who had grown increasingly hostile towards the cathedral, irritated by its constant legal and fiscal pressures. Damage was done to the monastery and cathedral cloisters and fires ravaged the building. It has been described as one of the most violent attacks on a religious house to occur in medieval England. This act of violence was not well received and the citizens were forced to rebuild that which they had destroyed! Two magnificent gateways lead to Norwich Cathedral from Tombland. Erpingham Gate (c1420) was built by Sir Thomas Erpingham, who led the English archers at the Battle of Agincourt. The second is Ethelbert Gate (c1316) and built by the citizens as a penance after their riot had burnt down the original wooden gate.

Norwich Cathedral Erpingham Gate Norwich Cathedral Ethelbert Gate Norwich Cathedral is simply magnificent and if you have never explored this wonderful building, you should make time during your visit to Norwich. There is so much to see including detailed stonework, beautiful stained glass, carved wood and all this set in a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Norwich Cathedral Close is one of the largest in England and is a very tranquil place. It contains the Prior’s Hall and the Bishop’s Palace and many of the buildings form part of King Edward VI School, which is also known as Norwich School. Inside the Nave of Norwich Cathedral Norwich Cathedral Organ Norwich Cathedral Cloisters The statue of Wellington in Norwich Cathedral Close Norwich also has a fine Roman Catholic Cathedral - one of a handful of UK cities to have 2 cathedrals. Norwich’s Catholic Cathedral was the vision of Henry Fitzalan Howard, the 15th Duke of Norfolk and it provided a new centre of worship for the Catholic community in Norwich. It is the second largest Catholic cathedral in the country, with construction starting in 1882. The nave has ten bays supported by considerable columns and is adorned with marble and fossilised limestone.

Other features of significance include a glorious wooden and painted rood, shrines and carvings, magnificent Victorian stained glass windows and stone gargoyles. Norwich Roman Catholic Cathedral Inside Norwich Catholic Cathedral Norwich has plenty of other ancient churches. In medieval times there were 57 churches inside the city walls, and 31 still exist today - which is one of the greatest concentrations in the whole of England. Most are skillfully built in local flint. St George, a medieval church in Colegate Norwich Church - St. Clements RIVERSIDE WALK - 2 miles approximately (including from the city centre) The Cathedral Close leads us to the Riverside Walk, a picturesque walk along the bank of the River Wensum. It makes a complete change from the city centre and with a few pubs along the way, it's a great thing to do on a sunny day. Norwich Riverside Walk The Bear Shop, Elm Hill, Norwich Norwich Cobbled Streets Pettus House on Elm Hill The Bridewell Museum shows Norwich life and industry. The building was a former merchant's house dating from 1325 and then a prison for tramps and women (a bridewell).

You can see displays covering the Norwich food industry, iron foundries and examples of early fire appliances. The museum is home to a fine collection of old shoes, all manufactured in Norwich. There is also a recreation of a 1930's pharmacy, one of the most complete examples in the country. Norwich Bridewell Museum Norwich Bridewell Museum - Norwich Industry At nearby Strangers Hall, one of the oldest buildings in Norwich, there is a museum of English domestic life. The house is set out as a series of rooms, showing how people lived from Tudor to Victorian times. There is a warren of passages, staircases and interlinked rooms, including several dining rooms, a music room and a room made completely from paper! Norwich Strangers Hall Museum Norwich Strangers Hall - Edwardian Dining Room Norwich Strangers Hall - Regency Music Room Norwich is one of the top shopping destinations on the UK, with a mix of small individual boutiques and large high street stores. You will find two modern shopping malls, one of the largest outdoor markets in England and many picturesque lanes, alleys and streets.

Norwich Forum - BBC Look East, Radio Norfolk Norwich Forum Library Norwich Forum - USAAF Memorial Library Sandwiched between the Forum and Market is the church of St Peter Mancroft. This is the largest church in Norwich and is often mistaken for the Cathedral by some visitors! It dates from the mid-15th century and has some fabulous features, such as its organ, font, alter and treasure room, containing ancient artifacts including stained glass, cups and bowls. Norwich St. Peters Mancroft The magnificent Organ inside St. Peters Mancroft Inside St. Peters Church in Norwich Beautiful stained glass in St. Peters Treasury Norwich Royal Arcade runs from the market place towards Norwich Castle and was designed by architect George Skipper in 1899. It has been described as a fragment of the Arabian Nights dropped into the heart of the old city! Among its many interesting features are some specially designed glazed tiles manufactured by Doulton, with images of Peacocks and flowers. Today the Royal Arcade contains fine timber shop fronts, housing shops such as the famous Colman's Mustard Shop.

Norwich Royal Arcade - Coleman's Mustard Shop Norwich Royal Arcade One of the most famous Norwich landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Used as a prison from the 14th century, the Castle became a museum in 1894. One of Norfolk's principal museums, the Castle is packed with treasures including outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history - some exhibits are of national importance including the world's largest collection of ceramic teapots. Norwich Castle overlooking the fine city of Norwich for around 900 years Inside the Keep of Norwich Castle Norwich Castle Natural History Museum Norwich Castle was used for many executions, but the most famous was of Robert Kett in 1549. Kett led an army of 20,000 rebels complaining about unfair enclosures of common land by corrupt landowners. Kett laid siege to the City of Norwich in July 1549, but was eventually captured, and tried in London. He was brought back to Norwich where he was executed by hanging from the castle – his body was left to rot as a warning to others.

Underneath Norwich Castle is the Castle Mall shopping centre, opened in 1993 the site redeveloped one of the oldest streets in Norwich (Timberhill) as well replacing the unsightly area of the old cattle market. The Castle Mall features a vast array of shops on three levels, food courts, two car parks, bars and restaurants, a cinema and even park gardens on the top. Norwich Castle Mall Norwich Maddermarket Theatre Norwich Puppet Theatre Probably the most famous Norwich business is Norwich Union (now Aviva). Founded in 1797 by Thomas Bignold, a wine merchant and banker who moved from Kent to Norwich. In 1905 Surrey House, the Life Society's new purpose-built head office designed by George Skipper, opened in Norwich. The main hall was decked out in marble that had originally been destined for Westminster Cathedral. The famous Norwich Union clock was put up in 1927. Norwich Union Surrey House Inside Marble Hall Marble Balcony in Surrey House One hidden gem is Dragon Hall, partly because its a little way out of the city centre, but a new footbridge over the river now connects it with the Riverside leisure complex (see below).

Dragon Hall is the only surviving medieval trading hall in Western Europe, built by an individual. It was built with close studded timber framing and contained a grand hall. The ground floor rooms and the undercroft were used as storage for goods. One of the spandrels (triangles of space between the beams and braces) was intricately carved with a figure of a dragon – it is from this that the hall took its name. Today, there is a new north wing on Dragon Hall, and, on the rear of the building, a glass gallery. Dragon Hall The Great Hall containing a carved Dragon spandrel Locals say Norwich once had an inn for every day of the year and a church for every Sunday. Nowadays there are still many delightful inns, but the number today is nearer 150 rather than 365. However, there is still a huge variety catering for all tastes. You will find a host of traditional and charming real ale pubs, classy wine bars and popular chain pubs throughout the city. Norwich Pub - Sir Garnet Wolseley Belgian Monk Bar Norwich Station was built in 1836 as the terminus of the Great Eastern Railway.

The building was given a fine façade, in a French Chateau style. The River Wensum separates Norwich station from the Compleat Angler pub - the first stop after arrival. Norwich Railway Station Norwich Riverside Pub - Compleat Angler Finally, Norwich Riverside Leisure Complex (next to the station) is a new complex of restaurants, bars, cinema and bowling alley - this area is really good for your night out! Old Orleans Restaurant, Norwich Frankie & Benny's Restaurant, Riverside Norwich Norwich Odeon Cinema You may also like to visit nearby Whitlingham Country Park , just southeast outside Norwich at Trowse and is a great place to walk, cycle, picnic or birdwatch. You can get to the park on the river bus from central Norwich. Norwich Whitlingham Country Park Norwich summary of what to SEE and DO Visit the cities Cathedral's - don't forget Norwich as two of them!

Take a look around the Norwich Castle and museum Take a walk around the cobbled lanes and alleys - don't miss Elm Hill Shop till you drop in the centre, market and 2 malls - Chapelfield and Castle Mall Walk along the riverside and find Pull's Ferry and Cow Tower Visit the medieval Guildhall or modern Forum Learn the history of Norwich on a walking or bus tour Visit the Bridewell Museum or Strangers Hall Enjoy a boat trip along the River Wensum Relax in a city centre bar or restaurant Enjoy a night out at the theatre or taking in a movie Sample a drink or a full meal in the cities many bars and restaurants Our Verdict Norwich is up there with the very best of the heritage cities in Britain. There are plenty of historic buildings and streets, that are given a modern twist with a state-of-the-art media centre and its 2 shopping malls. A great place for a weekend city break or day-trip. Click below to share this tour TOUR INDEX

Question: The English city of Norwich lies on which river?
Answer: River Wensum